Written by: Johnathan S. Hill Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic, recent tragedies involving African-Americans and law enforcement and the word-wide response to both of these events has presented individuals, organizations, institutions, businesses, schools, and churches with an opportunity to explore and approach leadership in news ways. Over the past few months, leaders have found themselves attempting …
Racialized Rationales Summary Report
On April 23rd MetroMorphosis hosted a virtual community forum focused on examining the disparate impact COVID-19 has had on the African-American community and the consequences of that reality. The forum was attended by over 70 members of the community and a panel of influential thinkers from across Louisiana and the south. This report offers a …
The State of Black Boys and Men of Louisiana Report (2010)
This report substantiates and quantifies the extensive and shocking social status of too many of Louisiana‟s Black boys and men in the 21st century. What a full examination has shown is an overwhelming disparity and alarming rates in violence, homicide, incarceration, unemployment, and education level of many Black families… Read More
The Urban Update (April 2020)
Many of the city’s leading organizations have had to significantly adjust theiroperations due to COVID19. While many continue to work to find new andinnovative ways to serve you, the response won’t be “a straight line”. Read on tofind out how BREC, CATS, EBR Housing Authority and others have responded toour city’s latest crisis.
Cox Communications, ExxonMobil join forces to provide $30,000 for student technology
By WBRZ Staff BATON ROUGE- Cox Communications and ExxonMobil Baton Rouge are joining forces with several non-profit organizations to provide technology to support students learning from home in East Baton Rouge Parish. The companies announced Tuesday that they are providing $15,000, for a total of $30,000, in grant funding to The Walls Project, which collaborated …
Gov. Edwards announces funds for the Health Equity Task Force
April 10, 2020 at 4:30 PM CDT – Updated April 24 at 6:39 PM BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Governor John Bel Edwards announced the creation of the Health Equity Task Force Friday, April 10 during his daily COVID-19 media briefing. The task force will look at how health inequities are affecting communities that are …
Guest column: In times of certainty, rely on all your communities
by Raymond A. Jetson for The Advocate On Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, I stood before the people of the Star Hill Church and delivered my final sermon as their pastor. For 23 years of Sundays and Wednesdays, we had assumed our respective positions in a mutual search for meaning, purpose and wisdom. A dear friend …
Raymond Jetson: “It’s the Damn Inequities!”
This week two opinion pieces stirred emotions and thoughts deep within me. To my knowledge, Charles Blow and Ashley K. Shelton do not know each other even though they are from the same part of the world. Yet, they both wrestled with the prickly notion of the impact of preexisting inequities on the programmatic, policy, …
The Search for the Next Superintendent: An Open Letter
Of the 23 applicants for the Superintendent position that is currently open in East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS), a number of them are highly qualified with decades of experience in education. A Texas consulting firm recommended 14 of them to continue in the hunt. At last week’s meeting, the School Board selected 5 …
The Last 100 Hours
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A working committee of the grassroots organization Urban Congress on African American Males in Baton Rouge volunteered to provide an independent review of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DoC) pilot 100-hr Pre-Release Program (a reentry preparation curriculum) by conducting a two-phase interview process with representatives of both inmate and staff …
A Community Response to Disrupting Violence
There has been much discussion in recent weeks around the subject of violence in the Baton Rouge community. Elected officials, law enforcement leaders, clergy, community activists, and community members from all walks of life have offered their thoughts on this important matter. Many have passionately called for action to address the seemingly non-stop cycle of …
OPINION: A Call to Older Black Men: It’s Time to Fight for Youth
By Raymond A. Jetson for Next Avenue Just a few weeks ago, 24 African-American teenage boys from a local high school in my Baton Rouge, La. community were recommended for suspension. Their crime: participating in a “fight club.” They were not involved in street fights, nor was there any intent to harm anyone. They were simply …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 15: From the Pulpit to the People (Part 2)
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Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 14: From the Pulpit to the People (Part 1)
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.26″ z_index_tablet=”500″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.26″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 13: The Learning Lottery (Systems that Impact Educational Outcomes)
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Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 12: Changing the Terrain
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Hair & Health Highlighted In The Advocate
“Black men’s attention to their health leaves a lot to be desired,” Jetson said, “and hypertension is especially an issue for people of color.” So now when guys head to the barbershop — so far 10 are participating — they also can have their blood pressure checked and get information on what to do if …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 11: Detailing the Village (A Conversation w/ Trey Godfrey and Tasha Clark Amar)
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Barbershops’ Hair & Health provides easy health monitoring for African-American men
BY PAM BORDELON for The Advocate “It’s the African-American male’s country club — the original man cave.” That’s how the Rev. Raymond Jetson, founder of the nonprofit MetroMorphosis, describes the barbershop, that place where men of color hang out even when they don’t necessarily need a trim. It’s where he turned to launch Hair & Health, a program …
Fishing For Clarity: What Is The Real Narrative Around Black Fatherhood?
By Donney Rose On Saturday, June 8th a collective of Baton Rouge organizations hosted Reel Dads, a fishing event held at Howell Park designed primarily to connect Black boys with their fathers/community father figures for an afternoon of fishing and bonding. The park was full of young Black boys joyously participating in simulated and real …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 10: The Politics of the Barbershop
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#WorldWideTransformation: Animation On Integration via Story Corps
StoryCorps’, a narrative based organization whose mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world, shares thousands of stories from everyday people. The following is one of their animations that features the tale of Reverend James Seawood grew up in the …
LaunchBR Pitch Competition
LaunchBR is hosting its first ever Pitch Competition for graduates of the LaunchBR program on Thursday, June 27 at Cristo Rey Franciscan High from 6-8pm. The participants in the pitch event will have the opportunity pitch lawn care, landscaping and horticulture businesses to a panel of judges for the chance at earning cash prizes. The …
Urban Congress Barbershop Talks
Each month the Urban Congress of African American Males gathers men from around Baton Rouge in five different barbershop locations for ONE Purpose! We are encouraging Black men in the area to join us for the monthly Barbershop Talks to help plan what transformation looks like for Black men and boys in Baton Rouge. Each …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 9: Creating Equitable Living Space
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_audio _builder_version=”4.0.9″ audio=”https://metromorphosis.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/UrbanRenewalEpisode9.mp3″ hover_enabled=”0″ title=”Creating Equitable Living Space” title_level=”h5″][/et_pb_audio][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ z_index_tablet=”500″] Last month, the Urban Congress on African- American Males hosted its Annual Convening. The theme for the Convening and for the Urban Congress year is “The Village Renewed”. In this episode of Urban Renewal, …
The Village Does Not Exist In Isolation | Op-Ed
by Donney Rose May 2, 2019 Just over three weeks ago the Urban Congress on African American Males, an initiative of MetroMorphosis, hosted its annual General Convening. The convening’s theme, #TheVillageRenewed, permeated the course of the day as guest speakers and delegates of the Congress articulated at great length the value of restoration/renewal of African …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 8: Changes Takes Creativity
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.4″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″] Raymond A. Jetson continues his conversation with organizational partners about the importance of building with the community and how one organization uses creativity to bring about change in Baton Rouge. Guest(s): Casey Phillips, Executive Director of the Walls Project Release Date: 4.22.19 Produced by: Parachute and Donney Rose for MetroMorphosis …
A Renewed Commitment to Us
by Donney Rose Yesterday (April 11) the city of Los Angeles and the global hip hop community bid farewell to slain rapper, Nipsey Hussel. Hussel, who was gunned down on March 31st in front of the clothing store he owned, was a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Crenshaw district of south central Los …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 7: The Power of WE
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.4″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″] MetroMorphosis believes that solutions to society’s most pressing challenges must emerge organically and be owned by those closest to the challenge. “Transforming Urban Communities from Within” is more than just a tagline. It is our mission and our reminder that our work must be done in partnership with others. In …
2019 Urban Congress General Convening: What To Expect
The Urban Congress on African American Males is hosting the fourth annual General Convening, Saturday April 13 at the McKinley Alumni Center. The theme of the convening, “The Village Renewed,” is attributed to the continued pursuit of partnership and collaboration in the work of transforming social systems that negatively impact African American males in Baton …
Pitch Event | May 11 | LaunchBR Graduates
Saturday, May 11th LaunchBR will host a “Pitch” event for graduates of the first cohort. LaunchBR is a business development initiative of MetroMorphosis that seeks to expand minority and woman owned businesses. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will get the chance to witness LaunchBR graduates compete to win cash prizes. …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 6: The State of Black Girls and Women
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.4″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″] The Urban Congress on African- American Males, a strategy of MetroMorphosis, is committed to improving outcomes for Black males in Baton Rouge. Connected to that, are those issues impacting the lives of girls and women in Baton Rouge. Chief Executive Catalyst, Raymond A. Jetson is joined by the MetroMorphosis Innovation …
Silencing Ourselves: A Reflection of Black Male Suicides in Baton Rouge
by Donney Rose On his 2018 album Book of Ryan, hip hop artist Royce da 5’9 raps about the importance of checking up on your ‘strong friend’ on a song aptly titled “Strong Friend”. In the song’s intro Royce gives listeners a sound piece of advice when he begins with the lines “reflections of your …
My Brother, You Matter
A recent study from the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office showed a dramatic increase in Black male suicides within the past seven years. On Tuesday, March 25th a host of community leaders and organizations will host My Brother, You Matter, a gathering designed to shed light on this crisis and to offer resources and solutions. …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 5: The Power of Sisterhood
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.4″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″] In honor of Women’s History Month, Raymond A. Jetson sits down with Kina Reed, founder of HeySis! to discuss the importance of sacred spaces for women. Guest(s): Kina Reed Release Date: 3.13.19 Produced by: Parachute and Donney Rose for MetroMorphosis Subscribe, rate and comment to the Urban Renewal Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, …
SAVE THE DATE | GENERAL CONVENING
The Urban Congress on African American Male is hosting its annual General Convening on Saturday, April 13 at the McKinley Alumni Center. The theme of this year’s convening, #TheVillageRenewed, speaks to the power of the collective on one accord to make change happen. Registration available at theurbancongress.com
Tracing Our Roots: BB & PF
Tracing Our Roots: BB & PF By: Moon Muhammad On the outskirts of Florida Blvd, nestled behind a timeless American Pawn Shop, is the home of African based restaurant BB & PF – Bean Burgers and Plantain Fries. I was introduced to this restaurant by a local friend of mine whose descriptions of savory seasoning, …
Images From The Village | General Convening Selfie Campaign
The Urban Congress is gearing up for the annual General Convening on Saturday, April 13th and request selfie images of African American males in Baton Rouge living daily within their respective villages. Please send your “Images From The Village” selfie to donney@metromorphosis.net. Select images will be printed and displayed at the Convening!
#BlackInProgress: MetroMorphosis Black History Month 2019 Tributes: 2/28 Know Your Rights Camp
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.100″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”20px|||” next_background_color=”#4368a7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.100″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” padding_top_1=”0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Content” _builder_version=”3.19.4″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||” text_font_size=”16px”] For Black History Month 2019, MetroMorphosis will do weekly tributes to African American figures and/or movements that align with the core principles of our organization and its programming. Focusing on the pillars of social advocacy (Urban Congress …
Pre-Release Assessment with Formerly Incarcerated Persons
The Urban Congress is currently conducting two research projects: A 100-hr Pre-Release Assessment with Formerly Incarcerated Persons and an interview of male participants of the Urban Congress and other Community activists/workers who are partnered in MetroMorphosis work. The Reentry work will be used to impact reentry processes in our state in order to improve …
Urban Renewal Podcast Episode 4: Honoring the Legacy (Part 2)
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”3.19.4″][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″] Part 2 of our first live episode, recorded at the 2019 MLK Festival of Service, in which Raymond A. Jetson sits down with elected officials and community activists and advocates to discuss the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Guest(s): Councilwoman Chauna Banks, Councilwoman Tara Wicker, Poet and Activist …